Moving Terminology: The Words in Your Bulgaria Relocation Contract
A binding estimate legally locks in your total moving cost; a non-binding estimate is only an educated guess, with the real bill determined by actual weight and services used — mixing the two up is one of the costliest misunderstandings a moving client can have. Allied — The Careful Movers Bulgaria built this glossary, grounded in AMSA (American Moving & Storage Association) standards, so you know exactly what you’re agreeing to before you sign anything.
Moving Terminology for Your Best Moving Education
Pricing and Estimate Terms
Estimate — An initial cost projection based on weight, distance, and any extra services requested.
Binding / Non-Binding Estimate — A binding estimate guarantees your total price; a non-binding estimate is an approximation subject to the shipment’s actual weight and services.
Peak Season Rates — Higher pricing that applies during the busiest months for moving demand.
Linehaul Charges — The core transport charge, not counting any additional services.
Advanced Charges — Fees for work done by outside specialists, such as a piano tuner or crane operator, which your mover pays and adds to your invoice.
Accessorial (Additional) Services — Extras like packing, appliance prep, unpacking, or handling bulky items, billed separately from standard transport.
Flight Charge — An added fee when movers must carry belongings up or down flights of stairs.
Long Carry — An extra charge when movers have to carry goods an unusually long distance between the truck and your door.
C.O.D. — Payment collected at the time of delivery, whether to a home or a warehouse.
The People Involved in Your Move
Agent — The local moving company representing a van line such as Allied, handling booking, hauling, or origin and destination services.
Booking Agent — The mover or consultant who registers and coordinates your move, who isn’t necessarily located in your origin or destination city.
Carrier — The company physically transporting your belongings.
Hauling Agent — The agent providing the truck and driver for your shipment.
Origin Agent — Manages packing and documentation at the starting point of your move.
Destination Agent — Coordinates delivery and paperwork once your shipment arrives.
Van Foreman — The lead mover overseeing loading, transport, and unloading on the day itself.
Personal Allied Relocation Consultant — Your single point of contact for planning, questions, and updates from the first estimate through final delivery.
Allied Master Movers — Crew members who have completed advanced training through Allied University in handling delicate and high-value goods.
Business Relocation Team — The specialists who manage corporate and office relocations separately from household moves
Paperwork You’ll Review and Sign
Bill of Lading — Your official receipt and contract for the move; read it carefully, since it governs the terms of your relocation.
Order for Service — Authorizes the mover to perform the agreed services; review it before signing.
Order (Bill of Lading) Number — The unique ID assigned to your shipment for tracking.
Registration Number — Identifies your shipment in company records, found on your bill of lading and service order.
Change Order — A document amending your original estimate after a change in inventory or requested services.
Inventory — A complete list of your goods, noting condition and quantity at pickup.
High-Value Article — Items above a set value per pound, such as jewelry or fine art, that must be declared for full protection.
Valuation — The value assigned to your shipment, which determines your mover’s liability and your level of protection.
Transit Protection Plan — Allied’s coverage option for shipments, offering added protection beyond standard liability during transport.
Storage and Delivery Terms
Storage-In-Transit (SIT) — Temporary storage of your goods before final delivery, which can run up to 90 days and carries additional handling fees.
Warehouse Handling — The fee for storing goods at a SIT facility, covering both placement and retrieval.
Shuttle Service — Used when a full-size truck can’t reach your location, so a smaller vehicle completes the transfer.
Expedited Service — Premium transport with guaranteed pickup and delivery dates, typically at a higher rate.
Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery — A premium option where the mover commits to fixed dates and offers reimbursement for delays.
Pickup and Delivery Charges — Separate fees for moving goods between your home and a storage facility.
Standards Behind the Scenes
AMSA Certified Mover — A company that meets AMSA’s Code of Conduct and operates under recognized industry authority.
Appliance Service — Preparing appliances like washing machines and refrigerators for safe transport.
Knowing this vocabulary makes it far easier to compare quotes, ask sharper questions, and understand exactly what’s included before you commit. For more planning guidance, browse the full moving resources hub, or contact Allied Bulgaria to speak with a relocation consultant about your specific move.